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A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Potential Gastrointestinal Adverse Effects From Micro(nano) Plastic Exposure
Summary
This narrative review synthesizes evidence on gastrointestinal adverse effects of micro- and nanoplastic exposure, examining how these particles interact with gut microbiota, mucosal barriers, and immune tissue to contribute to inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and colorectal cancer risk.
Exposure to plastics is unavoidable part of everyday life due to its ubiquitous use in consumer products, containers, and packaging. Discarded plastics degrade into microplastics (<5 μm) and nanoplastics (< 1μm), which are released into water, soil, and air, thereby reaching most life forms. In humans, these particles are primarily ingested, entering the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where they interact with gut microbiota, immune tissue, and mucosal barriers, contributing to inflammation and neoplastic effects. To date, exposure to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) has been primarily linked to inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and multiple GI cancers. These processes are driven by MNPs induced inflammation, immune dysregulation, and carcinogenesis. This review covers the existing evidence regarding MNP exposure and GI harm, while also highlighting the need for further research, increased public awareness, and developed of public health strategies to mitigate plastic exposures and health impacts.